Is it permissible for my father to take all the gold he finds in the cave he discovered, or does it belong to the state?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 2026
If gold is found in a cave, bearing marks of the pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah) or earlier, then it is considered rikaz (a buried treasure from the time of ignorance), and it is obligatory to give one-fifth of it as charity, while the remainder belongs to them. This is based on the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: "And in rikaz is the one-fifth." Rikaz is identified by the presence of pre-Islamic marks on it, such as the names of their kings or their images. However, if it bears an Islamic mark, then it is considered a luqatah (found lost property).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/119056
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- Original fatwa ID
- 119056
- Imported
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- Source text, unreviewed
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